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Transcript of Proceedings of technical papers
WORKSHOPON
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORINGUNDER
HYDROLOGY PROJECT
7-8 MARCH, 2000
TECHNICAL PAPERS
Organised By
CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD CENTRAL WATER COMMISSION DELHI NEW DELHI
HYDROLOGY PROJECT
i
Workshop on Surface Water Quality Monitoring
under Hydrology Project
(March 7- 8, 2000)
Date Time Topic of Discussion Speakers
0930 – 1000 Registration
1000 – 1030 InaugurationChief Guest- Chairman, CWC;Chairman, CPCB; Member (RM),CWC; and Team Leader, HP
1030 – 1100 Tea
Technical Session I : Objectives, Issues & Mandates on SW-WQ Monitoring Session Chairman : Prof. Dilip Biswas, Chairman, CPCB
1100 – 1130 Objectives and issues Shri Indra Raj, SJC(WM), PCS
1130 -- 1200 Mandates of different agencies forwater quality monitoring
Shri A. R. Bakshi, Director (WM)
1200 --1230 Design of water quality monitoringnetwork
Dr. R. H. Siddiqi, HP- Consultant
1230 -- 1300 Views of State Agencies onobjectives and issues *
All
1300 - 1400 Lunch
1400 – 1500 Views of State Agencies onmandates and network *
All
1500 – 1530 Discussions and conclusions All
Day 1
1530 – 1600 Tea
ii
Technical Session II : Rationalisation of Monitoring Programme Session Chairman : Dr. J. G. Grijsen, Team Leader, Hydrology Project
1600 – 1620 Rationalisation of existing waterquality monitoring programmeincluding sampling location,parameters and frequency ofsampling
Dr. M. C. Dutta, RO, RDD, CWC/Dr. S. P. Chakrabarti, HP-Consultant
1620 – 1640 Periodic review of monitoringprogramme
Er. S. C. Chadha, Director, CWC
1640 – 1700 Discussions and conclusions All
Technical Session III : Data Analysis and Information Dissemination Session Chairman : Dr. R. H. Siddiqi, Consultant, Hydrology Project
0930 – 1000 Data validation and analysis Ms M. Villars,HP-consultant
1000 – 1030 Dissemination of Information :Design of Year Book
Dr. Roop Narain, CWC, HPDr. S. P. Chakrabarti, Consultant, HP
1030 – 1100 Discussions and conclusions All
1100 – 1130 Tea
Technical Session IV : Quality Assurance Session Chairman : Er. S. K. Das, Chief Engineer (P&D), CWC
1130 – 1200 Quality assurance – analyticalquality control
Sh. A. K. Mitra, CWC
1200 – 1230 Accreditation & recognition of Lab. Dr. M. Q. Ansari, Sr. Scientist, CPCBDr. S. P. Chakrabarti, Consultant, HP
1230 – 1300 Discussions and conclusions All
Day 2
1300 – 1400 Lunch
iii
Technical Session V : Concluding Session Session Chairman : Prof. Dilip Biswas, Chairman, CPCB
1400 – 1445 Constraints in implementation ofsustainable monitoring programme
CWC & State Agency representatives
1445 – 1530 Conclusions & recommendations CWC-RD, HP
1530 – 1600 Tea
1600 – 1700 Valedictory function Chairman, CPCB; Sh. M. K. Sharma,Commissioner (WM) PCS; Dr. J. G.Grijsen. HP, Sh. Das, Chief Engr.(PD),
*Executive Engineers of Central & State Agencies to present
1
ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES IN SURFACE WATER QUALITY
MONITORING PROGRAMME UNDER HYDROLOGY PROJECT
Shri Indra Raj, Sr. Joint Commissioner (WM)
Central Water commission
1. Introduction
The need for water to meet our daily requirements is ever-increasing with the growth
in population and its thirst for improved standard of living. With the spate in
industrialisation in recent years to support the human need, water requirement has
further accentuated. Rain fall being limited only during monsoon period of about
three months at a stretch, the surface water availability ranges precariously poised
between flood and drought conditions. In the process, people suffer from non-
availability of ‘quality’ water either because of contamination of this scarce resource
out of human excretions and other pollutants from agricultural activities being carried
to the water front in the form of surface wash-off, or non-availability of enough water
in rivers to dilute the untreated/partially treated municipal sewage and industrial
effluent to acceptable / permissible quality level. Health of the rivers also gets upset to
support the aquatic life forms so essential for self-purification. Irrigation with polluted
river water not only could create bio-accumulation of pollutants in crop, it has also
potential for causing soil sickness and groundwater contamination.
The Indian Parliament enacted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1974 to maintain or restore wholesomeness of water bodies so that various beneficial
usages out of this scarce wealth could be sustained.
It is, therefore, imperative to have a close watch on the quality of surface waters
through frequent monitoring so that any impairment in their quality is taken
cognisance of by the appropriate body/authority for action programmes in restoration
of quality.
2
2. Monitoring of Surface Water Quality
The quality of surface water is being monitored in the country since several decades
by various agencies viz. the Central Water Commission (CWC), the State Irrigation
Departments and the Central & State Pollution Control Boards. However, the
mandates and objectives of these agencies being different, there had been no unified
procedure for monitoring to provide a holistic view of the characteristics of the water
bodies. While the interest of the CWC was mostly oriented towards the development
of the surface water resources, the river gauging & discharge measurement and
determination of sediment transport & its characteristics at limited locations, the water
quality was analysed for a few physico-chemical parameters, mainly for historical
recording purposes. The State Water Resources agencies also were confined to similar
activities, but their main interest was devoted to the determination of the suitability of
the surface water resources for use in irrigation. The interest of the Pollution Control
Boards were limited to determination of the health of the river in terms of pollution
related parameters for surveillance of water quality and determination of impact due
to discharge of pollutants through different sources. Thus the monitoring programmes
of the various agencies were like mutually exclusive events with no virtual co-
ordination among them.
The water quality monitoring programme under the Hydrology Project is currently
under implementation by the Ministry of Water Resources envisages to improve upon
the existing set-up. The Project aims to strengthen the water quality monitoring
programme of the Central and State agencies with an integrated approach.
3. Issues to be Addressed
Investigation of the present incohorent and inadequate water quality monitoring
system of the various agencies revealed that the following areas need attention :
• Even if there is no specific mandate for the Central and State surface water
resources development agencies to monitor river water quality for maintaining or
3
restoring wholesomeness of water bodies, it is implied that the quality of the
resources developed should be monitored to observe that it satisfies the quality
criteria to sustain the designated-best-uses. In case of non-compliance, the
information need to be passed on to the concerned agency for pollution control.
Otherwise, it would necessitate duplication of effort by such agencies which
would be expensive.
• Water quality monitoring mechanism should be uniform among all concerned
agencies for comparative results.
• Quality assurance programmes should be in-built for reliability of data.
• Analytical capability of the laboratories in terms of modern instrumental facilities
and trained manpower should be constantly upgraded at reasonable frequency.
• Monitoring programme should be reviewed at regular intervals by a State level
Committee as the riverine system is dynamic and anthropogenic activities on river
basins are fast changing due to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation.
• Water quality data generated from the monitoring programme should be validated
before storage in the Data Centre for creating the database.
• Water quality data should be transformed into information at the Data Centre for
fast dissemination among user agencies.
4. Objectives of the Hydrology Project
Keeping the above issues in view, the objectives of the Hydrology Project (HP) with
special reference to water quality monitoring programme can be summarised as
follows :
4
• Designing of the monitoring network for establishing baseline water quality,
observing trend in quality changes and calculation of flux of water constituents at
representative locations, avoiding duplication among participating agencies;
• Evolving Type-designs for a three-tier system of laboratories for analysing field
parameters at level-I laboratories near to the sampling locations, physico-chemical
and bacteriological parameters including pollution related parameters in level-II
laboratories, and toxic substances including heavy metals and pesticides in level-
II+ and level-III laboratories;
• Selection of monitoring parameters and frequency for different types of stations;
• Standardisation of analytical procedures for various parameters;
• Designing specifications for state-of-the-art instruments for procurement by the
respective agencies;
• Designing methodology for ‘Analytical Quality Control’ (AQC) through ‘Within
laboratory’ and ‘Inter-laboratory’ exercises;
• Standardising procedures for data validation and data entry system; and
• Dissemination of water quality information for user agencies
5. Concluding Remarks
The Hydrology Project planned for six year duration is operational for over 4 years.
Attempts are being made on all fronts mentioned above. While considerable progress
has been made on the design aspects of the monitoring programme, some of the
activities are being delayed due to inescapable reasons in developing the
infrastructure facilities, like construction of laboratory building, procurement of some
of the analytical instruments, deployment of qualified laboratory personnel. Such
obstacles do occur when multiple organisations are involved. But sampling and
5
analysis as per designed network should start with whatever resources / facilities are
available at hand which will gradually be strengthened. Water quality data should
start flowing to the Data Processing Centres for validation and for analysis, storage
and dissemination with effect from January, 2001 if not earlier. This will enable
reviewing of the monitoring mechanism for finer tuning before the Project duration
ends.
The objective of the Workshop will be best served if the participants deliberate on the
various aspects of the methodology of the monitoring programme to come to a
consensus so that uniform and consistent procedures are adopted for comparable and
reliable data generation required for water resource development and planning.
6
RATIONALISATION OF SURFACE WATER QUALITY
MONITORING PROGRAMME
Dr. M. C. Dutta * and Dr. S. P. Chakrabarti **
1. Introduction
Surface water quality is being monitored since decades by several agencies of the Central
and State governments. The Central Water Commission and the State Irrigation
Departments are principally concerned with the development of surface water resources,
including measurements of river water level and discharge for flood forecasting and
flood control, and monitoring of sediment transport and its characteristics for prevention
of soil erosion in the catchment area of the basin besides analysis of physico-chemical
properties of water to ascertain its suitability for drinking and irrigation. However, there
was no specific mandate for these agencies for protection of quality of the scarce water
resources.
With the enactment of the “Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974”, the
Central and State Pollution Control Boards were constituted under the provisions of this
Act with the sole objective of maintaining or restoring wholesomeness of water bodies to
meet the requirements of various beneficial uses.
In view of the differences in the objectives of the afore-mentioned agencies, their
monitoring programmes were at variance with one another. Each of these agencies has
extensive and expensive network for monitoring stations with hardly any co-ordination
among them to initiate a unified method of water sampling and analysis of surface water
for the cause of protection of its quality through quality improvement programmes.
Being concerned with the problem, the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of
India, has taken up the Hydrology Project (HP) of six year duration in collaboration with
the government of The Netherlands, to develop a national Hydrological Information
System (HIS) with user-friendly software for the benefit of the concerned agencies. The
Hydrology Project Directorate of the Central Water Commission (CWC)) has been
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Research Officer, River Data Directorate, Central Water Commission, N. Delhi-11066
**Consultant, Hydrology Project Office, 4th Floor, CSMRS-Building, N. Delhi-110 016
7
involved in the development of the methodology for designing WQ monitoring
networks, rationalisation of existing WQ monitoring programme including sampling
locations, parameters and frequency of sampling, guidelines for analytical procedures,
data validation, analytical quality control etc., which are ready for adoption by the
monitoring agencies at the Central and State levels. However, it is imperative to have
detailed deliberations on the above-mentioned issues to arrive at a consensus decision
before adoption .
2. Monitoring Objectives
The main objectives for surface water quality monitoring, as conceived under the
Hydrology Project, are as follows:
Monitoring for establishing Baseline water quality
Observing trend in water quality changes
Calculation of flux of water constituents of interest
Surveillance for ensuring quality requirements for various designated-best-uses for
their sustenance
Dissemination of data to user agencies for their water quality management
programmes
3. Frequency and Parameters
3.1 Monitoring frequency and the selection of parameters are decided keeping in view
the objectives of sampling at a particular location and the type of use the concerned
stretch of the water body is subjected to. Although the surface water agencies do have
considerable historical data stored in ‘Water Quality Year Books’, the data generated are
incomparable in view of the difference in objectives of sampling and the varying
monitoring system. Hence, it would be to consider all water quality monitoring stations
as a combination of Baseline and Trend stations to start with.
3.2 Samples shall be collected every two months viz. May / June (pre-monsoon),
August, October, December, February and April, which will fairly represent all seasons
of the year. This will generate six samples from perennial rivers and 3-4 samples from
seasonal rivers, every year.
8
3.3 After data are collected for three years, the stations will have to be reclassified as
either Baseline, Trend or Flux stations after examining the data. The stations indicating
no influence of human activity on water quality will finally be classified as the Baseline
Station. Others will remain as Trend stations. If a station is classified as a Baseline
station, it will have to be monitored, after every three years, again for one year at a
frequency of every two months to observe the qualitative change, if any. If there is no
considerable change, the station will continue to be the Baseline station and it will be
monitored again after three years. Otherwise, it will have to be reclassified and
monitored as a Trend station.
3.4 If a station is classified as Trend station, it will continue to be monitored but with
an Increased frequency of once every month.
3.5 Stations will be classified as Flux stations where it is considered necessary to
measure the mass of any substance carried by the flow. The frequency of sampling at
such stations and analyses of constituents of interest may be increased to 12 or 24 times
per year. measurement of discharge at such stations is necessary.
3.6 The recommended parameters for analysis for different categories of stations are
given in Table 1.
Table 1 Parameters of analysis for surface water samplesa
Parameters Initially Baseline Trend
General Temp, EC, pH, DO, TDS Temp, EC, pH, DO,TDS Temp, EC, pH, DO
Nutrients NH3-N, NO2 + NO3, total
P
NH3-N, NO2 + NO3, total P NH3-N, NO2 + NO3, total P
Organic matter BOD, COD None BOD, COD
Major ions Ca++, Mg++, K+, Na+, CO3-
-, HCO3-, Cl-, SO4
--
Ca++, Mg++, K+, Na+, CO3--,
HCO3-, Cl-, SO4
--
Cl-
Other inorganics None None None
Metals None None None
Organics None None None
Microbiologicalb Total coli. None Total and fecal coli.
Biological None None None
a- based on ‘Surface Water Quality Network Design, Guidelines and an Example’, June 1997
b- depending on workload, analysis frequency may be reduced upto 2 samples per year
9
Other inorganics, metals, organics and microbiological parameters for analysis shall be
determined as a part of special survey programmes, which may include some of the
Trend stations where there is a need for determination of any of these groups of
parameters.
3.7 The survey programmes shall ordinarily be of one year duration. The sampling
frequency may be the same as that for Trend stations.
3.8 Special arrangements for sampling and transport of the samples will be necessary
for the survey programmes and microbiological samples.
4. Sample Collection
4.1 The most important aspect in the surface water quality monitoring programme is
the sampling. Location of sampling shall be so selected that the sample collected is
representative of the water quality in that stretch indicating the health of the water body.
More often than not samples are collected either from the bank or from the stagnant pool
of water near the bank or just downstream of any polluting discharge into the water
body, the quality of which is to be monitored. In all the above cases, the samples will not
be representative for obvious reasons. The samples shall invariably be collected from the
centre of the main stream of the flow/ river discharge from a depth of 30 cm from the
water surface using a weighted bottle or by means of a Dissolved Oxygen (DO) sampler
avoiding mixing of air into the water sampled. Hence, a location map of the sampling
point is essential for the sampling personnel to arrive at the exact location.
4.2 In case of surveillance stations to monitor the impact of any polluted discharge
into the water body, samples shall not be collected from immediate downstream or in
near vicinity in the same bank where the pollutants are discharged. The ideal location
will be sufficiently downstream where the pollutants discharged are thoroughly
mixed/dispersed in the medium. Such a location is to be identified through a detailed
survey.
4.3 Another extreme situation for sampling can be when the flow in the river is not
enough to dip the DO-sampler, which is very common for Indian rivers. In such
10
conditions, samples shall be collected from just below the surface of the main flowing
stream avoiding floating matters and mixing of air in the sample.
4.4 In case of any deviation in the sampling point, it shall be recorded in the Sample
Identification Form to be filled for each sample, including local weather conditions at the
time of sampling.
4.5 Sample containers shall be previously cleaned before coming to site. The container
shall be rinsed with the sample at site three times before it is filled. A small air space
shall be left inside the sampling bottle to allow mixing of sample at the time of analysis.
4.6 Sample containers shall be properly identified by attaching an appropriately
inscribed tag or label. The sample code and the sampling date shall be clearly marked on
the sampler or the tag. The sample ‘Identification Form’, as shown in Figure 1, shall be
filled for each sample for each sampling occasion after doing the analysis for field
parameters. If there are more than one bottle filled at a site, it is to be registered in the
same form. Sample identification forms shall all be kept in a Master File at the level II or
II+ laboratory.
4.7 Samples from reservoir site shall be collected from the out-going canal, power
channel or water intake structure, in case water is pumped. When there is no discharge in
the canal, sample shall be collected from the upstream side of the regulator structure,
directly from the reservoir.
4.8 DO shall be determined in a sample collected in a DO bottle using a DO sampler.
The DO must be fixed immediately after collection. DO concentration can then be
determined either in the field or later, in a level I or level II laboratory.
11
Figure 1 Sample identification form for surface water samples
Sample code
Observer Agency Project
Date Time Station code
Container Preservation TreatmentParameter
code Glass PVC PE Teflon None Cool Acid Other None Decant Filter
(1) Gen
(2) Bact
(3) BOD
(4) COD, NH3,NO3-
(5) H. Metals
o T (6)Tr. Organics
Source of sample
Waterbody Point Approach Medium Matrix
o River
o Drain
o Canal
o Reservoir
o Main current
o Right bank
o Left bank
O Bridge
O Boat
O Wading
o Water
o Susp. matter
o Biota
o Sediment
o Fresh
o Brackish
o Salt
o Effluent
Sample type o Grab o Time-comp o Flow-comp o Depth-integ o Width-integ
Sample device o Weighted bottle o Pump o Depth sampler
Field determinations
Temp oC pH EC µmho/cm DO mg/L
Odour
code
Odour free
Rotten eggs
Burnt sugar
Soapy
Fishy
) Septic
) Aromatic
) Chlorinous
) Alcoholic
(10)Unpleasant
Colour
code
Light brown
Brown
Dark brown
Light green
Green
) Dark green
) Clear
) Other (specify)
Remarks
Weather o Sunny o Cloudy o Rainy o Windy
Water vel. m/s o High (> 0.5) o Medium (0.1-0.5) o Low (< 0.1) o Standing
Water use o None o Cultivation o Bathing & washing o Cattle washing
o Melon/vegetable farming in river bed
12
5. Sample Container, Preservation and Transport
5.1 The material of the container shall be such that it does not contaminate the
sample due to leaching. Preservation of samples during transportation from site to the
laboratory for analysis is also equally important. The type of container and the
preservatives to be used are indicated in Table 2.
Table 2 Types of sample containers and preservation chemicals
Analysis Type of Container Preservation
General Glass, PE None
COD, NH3, NO2-, NO3
- Glass, PE H2SO4, pH<2
P Glass None
DO BOD bottle DO fixing chemicals
BOD Glass, PE 40C, dark
Coliform Glass, PE, Sterilised 40C, dark
Heavy metals Glass, PE HNO3, pH<2
Pesticides Glass, Teflon 40C, dark
5.2 Samples shall be transported to concerned laboratory (level II or II+) as soon as
possible, preferably within 48 hours.
5.3 Analysis of coliforms shall be started within 24 hours of collection of sample. If
the time is exceeded, it shall be recorded with the result.
5.4 Samples containing microgramme / litre metal level, shall be stored at 40C and
analysed as soon as possible. If the concentration is of mg/l level, it can be stored for
upto 6 months, except mercury, for which the limit is 5 weeks.
5.5 Left over samples shall be discarded only after primary validation of data.
13
6. Analysis and Record
6.1 Sample receipt register
There is a need for keeping record in the laboratory as the samples arrive and are
distributed among the analysts/chemists. Each laboratory shall have a bound register,
which is to be used for registering samples as they are received. An example of the
headings and the information for such a register is given in Table 3.
Table 3 Sample receipt register
Dat
e/T
ime
rece
ived
at la
b.
Dat
e/T
ime
coll
ecte
d
Sta
tion
cod
e
Pro
ject
Col
lect
ing
agen
cy/c
olle
ctor
Pre
serv
atio
n
Par
amet
er c
ode
Lab
. Sam
ple
No.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
02.07.99/1400 01.07.99/1100 M 22 WQ monitoring SW Div II/
Singh
No 1 28-1
02.07.99/1400 01.07.99/1700 M 24 WQ monitoring SW Div II/
Singh
No 1 29-1
02.07.99/1400 01.07.99/1700 M 24 WQ monitoring SW Div II/
Singh
Yes 4 29-4
05.07.99/1100 02.07.99/1300 S 44 Survey A SPCB/
Bhat
Yes 5 30-5
The features of the above Table are as follows:
Column (3) gives the station code conventionally followed by the monitoring
agency.
Column (4) gives the project under which the sample is collected.
Column (7) corresponds to the parameter(s) code given in the sample identification
form.
14
Column (8) gives the laboratory sample number assigned to the sample as it is
received in the laboratory. Note that the numbering has two parts separated by a hyphen.
The first part is assigned in a sequential manner as samples are received from various
stations. If two samples are collected at the same time from a station for different sets of
analysis, the first part of the number is the same. The second part corresponds to the
parameter code.
The results of the analyses of all the samples having the same first part of the code
would be entered in the data entry system as one sample having the same station code
and time of sample collection.
6.2 Work Assignment and Personal Registers
For accountability and comparable distribution of work among analysts/chemist, the
following procedure may be adopted:
The laboratory incharge should maintain a bound register for assignment of work.
This register would link the lab. sample number to the analyst who makes specific
analyses, such as pH, EC, BOD, etc.
An estimate of time needed for performing the analyses may also be entered in the
register.
Each laboratory analyst should have his/her own bound register, where all laboratory
readings and calculations are to be entered.
When analysis and calculations are completed, the results must be recorded in a
register containing data record sheets described in the next section.
6.3 Analysis Record and Data Validation
A recommended format for recording data is given in Figure 2. It includes all
parameters, except heavy metals and trace organics, that may be analysed in the water
quality monitoring programme currently envisaged. Ordinarily, a sample need NOT be
analysed for all the listed parameters.
15
Record of analyses for heavy metals and trace organics, which will be performed
on a limited number of samples, shall be kept separately in a similar format.
Columns (2) & (3) are to be filled from the entries in the Sample Receipt Register.
Columns (4) – (9) pertain to the field measurements. This information will be available
from the Sample Identification Forms. Columns (10) – (36) are to be filled in by the
analyst(s) whom the work has been assigned (see Work Assignment Register).
The format also includes primary data validation requirements in columns (37) –
(53). The laboratory in-charge shall perform these validation checks as the analysis of a
sample is completed. In case the analysis results do not meet any one of the validation
checks, whenever possible, the analysis should be repeated. She/he would also fill in
Columns (54) – (55).
The results of the laboratory analyses shall be entered from these records in the
data entry system.
7 Concluding Remarks
Water quality monitoring is a team work. Right from the preparatory work before
proceeding for sampling till data validation and reporting to the District Data Centre, the
activities are to be harmonised with a professional finish.
Collection of samples being the most crucial among the chain of activities, it shall not be
left in the hands of un-skilled / casual staff as the entire monitoring programme and data
generation hinges on representative sampling. The person collecting samples should have
the application of mind in deciding, under the changing circumstances in the field, about
the correct and representative point of sampling. Any variation in field conditions, which
may have a bearing on the data generation and analysis, has to be recorded in the sample
identification form with reasoning.
16
Figure 2 Data record and validation registerData record Laboratory / organisation Laboratory code
Field determinations General Nutrients Org matter Alkalinity Hardness Major ions Other inorganics Coliforms BiolL
ab s
amp
le N
o
Sta
tio
n c
od
e
Da
te o
f c
oll
ecti
on
pH
EC
, µm
ho
/cm
DO
, m
g/L
Te
mp
, o
C
Co
lou
r, c
od
e
Od
ou
r, c
od
e
pH
EC
, µm
ho
/cm
TD
S,
mg
/L
TS
S,
mg
/L
NH
3, m
g N
/L
NO
2- +N
O3- ,
m
gN
/L
To
tal
P,
mg
/L
BO
D,
mg
/L
CO
D,
mg
/L
Ph
en
, m
g C
aC
O3/
L
To
tal,
mg
Ca
CO
3/L
To
tal,
mg
Ca
CO
3/L
Ca
++,
mg
Ca
CO
3/L
Ca
++,
mg
/L
Mg
++,
mg
/L
Na
+,
mg
/L
K+,
mg
/L
Cl- ,
mg
/L
SO
4--,
mg
/L
CO
3--,
mg
/L
HC
O3- ,
mg
/L
Si,
mg
/L
F- ,
mg
/L
B,
mg
/L
To
tal,
MP
N/1
00
mL
Fa
ec
al,
MP
N/1
00
mL
Ch
loro
ph
yll-
A,
µg/L
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30) (31) (32) (33) (34) (35) (36)
Data validation
Cations Anions Ion balance EC balCarbon
balCO3
-- bal Verification criteria Checked by Remarks
Lab
sam
ple
No
Sta
tio
n c
od
e
Ca
++,
me
q/L
Mg
++,
me
q/L
Na
+,
me
q/L
K+,
me
q/L
To
tal
cati
on
s
Cl- ,
me
q/L
SO
4--,
me
q/L
CO
3--,
me
q/L
,
HC
O3- ,
me
q/L
NO
2- +N
O3- ,
m
eq
/L
To
tal
anio
ns
{(41)-(47)} / {(41)+(47)} (39) / (42) (12) / (11) (18) / (17)If (10) < 8.3,is (19)=0 ?
(1) (2) (37) (38) (39) (40) (41) (42) (43) (44) (45) (46) (47) (48) (49) (50) (51) (52) (53) (54) (55)
(48) < 0.1(49) = 0.8-1.2
(50 ) = 0.55-0.9(51) > 1
(52) = yes
17
PERIODIC REVIEW OF SURFACE WATER QUALITYMONITORING PROGRAMME
Er. S. C. Chadha*
1. Introduction
Surface water quality monitoring programme comprise several components and range of
purposes, like (1) designing of the monitoring network following some rationale and
categorisation of the monitoring stations depending upon quality requirements, (2)
identification of the location for representative sampling, (3) finalising the frequency of
monitoring and the parameters for analysis, (4) transportation of samples to laboratory
after analysis of some of the field parameters and preservation of samples for analysis of
the remaining parameters in the laboratory, (5) Standardising the analytical procedures,
(6) data validation, (7) imposition of analytical quality control procedure for reliability in
data generation, (8) data storage and interpretation, and (9) dissemination of information
on water quality to data users for formulating action programmes to protect the
wholesomeness of the water bodies and to meet the quality requirements to sustain
various designated-best-uses. Hence, the functional elements are multi-disciplinary in
nature and need to be harmonised for a concerted effort in generating reliable water
quality data, so that the data user agencies are not at fault while drawing Action Plans for
conservation of the quality of this scarce resource.
2. Need for Periodic Review of the Monitoring Programme
The river regime being an ever-changing dynamic system and so also being the land use
………………………………………………………………………………………………
.* Director, River Data Directorate, Central Water Commission, New Delhi-110 066
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pattern in a fast-developing country, like India, there is a need for periodic review of all
the elements of the monitoring programme mentioned above. This is also necessary as the
interpretation of the water quality data may reveal strengthening of monitoring
programme in terms of more frequent sampling for surveillance, additional parameters
for analysis, improved methods of analysis with state-of-the-art instruments for greater
accuracy and precision to improve upon reliability in data generation etc. Besides, there
may be necessities of having conjunctive studies on pollutant travel from surface to
groundwater or vice-versa with the groundwater monitoring agencies and pollution
control boards at the Central and State levels.
The “Hydrology Project” under the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India, is
for capability development of the Central and State Surface Water and Groundwater
Agencies in water quality data generation as a part of the national “Hydrological
Information System” (HIS) being developed under the Project, a mechanism has to be
evolved for concerted effort in water quality monitoring programme through mutual
discussion among the participating agencies for problem-solving and for sustenance of
the programme even after the Project comes to an end.
3. Water Quality Monitoring and Co-ordination
Deliberations have already been held at the four regional level technical meetings on the
recommendations of the State agencies participating in the Hydrology Project, and it was
decided that the Sate-level Review Committees may discuss common
problems/constraints for trouble shooting. The Committees will also review the locations
of monitoring stations, need-based location-specific parameters and frequency of
monitoring, co-ordination among State agencies to avoid duplication of efforts in WQ
19
monitoring, data analysis and interpretation, data management, faster communication and
availability of data, analytical quality control among HP-laboratories etc. Data user
agencies, within the scope of the Hydrology Project, have a provision under the
Hydrological data user group meetings for interactions and feed back from user
organisations. All project agencies are expected to formulate Hydrological Data User
Groups (HDUG). A similar group for water quality may be essential. The memberships
could comprise representatives from the following agencies:
• Central Water Commission (CWC)
• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
• State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
• State level HP agencies
• Nodal Officers of the State
• Regional Data Centres of the State and CWC
• User agencies from educational and research institutes
The modalities of the membership, terms of reference, frequency of the meetings and
scope may be discussed and finalised. The State level committees which may be statutory
in nature, as recommended in the regional level meetings, may also be discussed.
4. Concluding Remarks
The proposal for constitution of the water quality data user group meetings and the State-
level Committees is based on the premise that the monitoring agencies have
understanding of the programmes of the member agencies through mutual exchange
/dissemination of information besides having a unified procedure for monitoring in the
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management of surface water quality. The member agencies could also initiate
investigative studies of common interest to strengthen the monitoring programme without
duplicating efforts for the common cause.
Such Committees can bring in transparency in the monitoring programme for the
development of a reliable database on water quality through mutual help without being
solely dependent on external technical support.
Note : The views expressed are for deliberations only and not of the Central Water
Commission, Government of India.
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Data Validation and Analysis
M. Villars*
1.1 IntroductionValidation of water quality data involves checking and assessment of the data to seeif there have been any errors made during sampling or analysis of the water qualitysample.
Definition
Water quality data validation consists of a series of checks to see if errors have been made inwater sampling, sample analysis or data entry.
Standard checks should be applied to test the data. These usually involve theapplication of check readings for errors in time and magnitude. While many of thedata validation checks can be made by hand, the checks are also built into thedatabase software. The advantage of computer validation techniques are that theyare objective and uniform. Data from all sources are subjected to the same scrutiny.The computer also allows the use of checking algorithms which can be tedious toapply manually.
One another important organizational aspect of validation is the possibility of splittingdata validation tasks between field centres equipped with data entry microcomputersand the central data processing computer. Since most microcomputers havestandard data entry software packages that incorporate data validation options, nosoftware development effort is required. Fields validation checks could includeabsolute checks for dates and variable codes, and relative checks for range and rateof change. Tables and plots of input data could also be made for manual checking.Such a system would reduce considerably the error rate of data arriving at the centrewhere more elaborate validation, e.g., inter-station consistency checks, could beperformed.
1.2 General Procedure for WQ Data ValidationWater quality data validation should be conducted in part by the chemist at a waterquality laboratory, and in part by the water quality experts at the regional or districtdata centers.
The laboratory chemist will enter analytical results and field observations into thelaboratory record sheet. This sheet includes a number of a validation checks to beconducted. I the future, the data will be entered into the computer database using theData Entry Software (SW DES for WQ). This is currently under development. Most ofthe validation checks will be made by the database software.
Once the data has been checked, any signalled errors should be corrected ifpossible. This may require new analysis of some samples. The validated data will besent by diskette from the laboratories to the regional data centre, where they will beadded to the water quality data base.
* Consultant, Hydrology Project, CSMRS Building Olof Palme Marg Hauz Khas New Delhi-110016
22
Further validation of data will take place at the data centre, where the latest dataentries can be checked compared to the historical data.
1.3 Specific Data Validation TestsA series of data checks should be carried out to identify any problems in the data. Anumber of tests is described below including:
• Absolute checking/Data entry• Checking if data is within the detection limits of a particular method• Checking if the data is within the expected ranges for a parameter• Checking if there are too many (or too few) significant digits reported• Checking if data are physically or scientifically possible (general checks)• Checking correlation of parameters (Some conditional checks)• Checking the correlation between EC and TDS• Checking the cation-anion balance
Absolute checking/Data entry
Absolute checking implies that data or code values have a value range that has zeroprobability of being exceeded. Thus, geographical coordinates of a station must liewithin the country boundary, the day number in a date must lie in the range 1-31, andin a numeric-coding system the value 43A cannot exist.
The limits used may take one of the following forms:• A single absolute value or range;• A set of ranges applicable in different areas and/or at different times• Ranges applicable to many stations or ranges which are applicable only to
individual stations.
Data failing these tests must be incorrect. It is usually a simple task to identify andremedy the error. The database software should be programmed to catch thesetypes of errors during data entry.
Detection Limits
The water quality results reported cannot be less than the detection limit of theanalytical procedure being used to measure the concentration. Thus all data shouldbe checked compared to the expected detection limit. The detection limits of allanalytical procedures must be known. If there are different procedures possible formaking an analysis, the procedure that is used must also be known.
Checking WQ data against expected ranges
Water quality data can also be checked against expected ranges. For the parametersbeing measured in HP, typical ranges for surface water are known (Table 2).
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Table 2 Some typical values for composition of surface water
Constituent UnitConcentration Range
Temp °C 10-35PH - 6-9EC µS/cm 250-5000Na+ mg/l 5-75
Significant Digits
The number of significant digits to be reported for a water quality result depends on:• the precision of the analytical procedure used• the absolute value of the result compared to the range of expected results
General Checks
General checks are made to see if the water quality results are physically orscientifically possible.
A simple general check is that the totals of any variable must be greater than thecomponent parts as in the following examples:• Total coliforms must be greater than faecal coliforms• Total iron must be greater than dissolved iron• Total phosphorus must be greater than dissolved (ortho-)phosphorus• Total iron must be greater than dissolved iron
General checks:Total solids ≥ Total dissolved solidsTotal solids ≥ Total settleable solidsCOD > BODTotal Coli ≥ Faecal ColiTotal Iron ≥ Fe+2, Fe+3
Total P ≥ PO4-3
EC (µS/cm) ≥ TDS (mg/l)
Total oxidized nitrogen ≥ Nitrate, nitriteTotal oxidized nitrogen = Nitrate + nitriteTotal hardness = Ca hardness + Mg hardness
Some conditional checks: correlation of parameters
When there are known correlations between one or more water quality parameters these canbe used toSome of the more well known correlations between parameters are:
• Total dissolved solids and specific conductance• pH and carbonate species• pH and free metal concentrations• Dissolved oxygen and nitrate
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Conditional checks
If pH > 6 then Al+3 < detection limitIf pH > 6 then Mn+2 < detection limitIf pH < 8.3 then CO3
-2 =0
If DO (mg/l) = 0 then NO3- =0
If DO (mg/l) > 0 then NO3- >0
If DO (mg/l) > 7 then Fe+2 =0
Correlation between EC and TDS
The numerical value of Electrical Conductivity (EC) in µS/cm should be higher thanthat of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in mg/l. It is recommended that conductivity beplotted against TDS and values lying away from the main group of data be checkedfor errors. The relationship between the two parameters is often described by aconstant (commonly between 0.55 and 0.7 for freshwaters).
Thus: TDS (mg/l) ~ 0.6 x EC (µS/cm)
The value of the constant varies according to the chemical composition of the water.
TDS and Conductivity
For freshwaters, the normal range of TDS can be calculated from the following relationship:
0.55 conductivity (µS/cm) < TDS (mg/l) < 0.7 conductivity (µS/cm)
Typically the constant is high for chloride rich waters and low for sulphate rich waters.
Cation-Anion Balance
When a water quality sample has been analysed for the major ionic species, one ofthe most important validation tests can be conducted: the cation-anion balance.
The principle of electroneutrality require that the sum of the positive ions (cations)must equal the sum of the negative ions (anions). Thus a cation-anion balance canbe written:
If significant errors in any of the major ion analyses has been made there will be anerror in the cation-anion balance. If this error is too large (>10%), it indicates thatthere has been a error made in at least one of the major anion analyses.
Cation-Anion Balance
∑ cations = ∑ anions
where:cations = positively charged species in solution (meq/l)
anions = negatively charged species in solution (meq/l)
Percent Balance Error
∑cations - ∑anions% balance error = ------------------------ x 100
∑cations + ∑anions
cations = Na+ + Ca+2 + Mg+2 + K+ (in meq/l)
anions = Cl- + HCO3- + SO4
-2 (in meq/l)
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For GW and surface water, the % error should be less than 10%
Ion balance (example)
A laboratory measures the following concentrations:
Cation Conc (mg/l) Anion Conc (mg/l)Ca+2 93.8 HCO3
- 164.7Mg+2 28.0 SO4
-2 134.0Na+ 13.7 Cl- 92.5K+ 30.2
1. First the concentrations of cations and anions must be converted from mg/l tomeq/l.
(a) This conversion is made using the mg/meq value for each major ion species. Thisvalue is equal to the atomic weight of the species divided by the ion charge.
For Calcium (Ca+2):
• atomic weight = 40• ion charge = 2• mg/meq = 40/2 = 20
(b) Dividing the concentration (mg/l) by the mg/meq value for each species results inmeq/l.
For Calcium (Ca+2):
• Concentration (mg/l) = 93.8• mg/meq = 20• 93.8/20 = 4.69 meq/l
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(c) A table should be completed with all the values per species, and the sum ofcations and anions.
Cation Concentration(mg/l) (mg/meq) (meq/l)
Ca+2 93.8 20.0 4.69Mg+2 28.0 12.2 2.3Na+ 13.7 13.7 0.60K+ 30.2 39.1 0.77
Total Cations 8.36 meq/l
Anion Concentration(mg/l) (mg/meq) (meq/l)
HCO3- 164.7 61.0 2.74
SO4-2 134.0 48.0 2.79
Cl- 92.5 35.5 2.61Total Anions 8.14 meq/l
2. Check accuracy (% balance error)
∑cations - ∑anions% balance error = ------------------------ x 100
∑cations + ∑anions
8.36 – 8.14= --------------------- x 100 = 1.3%
8.36 + 8.14
This is less than the allowed error, so the sample results can be accepted.If % error > 10% then check results, and possibly re-analyse samples.
Note: An accurate ion balance does not necessarily mean that the analysis is correct.There may be more than one error and these may cancel each other out.
1.4 Aspects of Data AnalysisThe water quality data collected are the basis of the information that can be provided.However, the data themselves are not ‘information’. If data are not in a form whichcan be used or understood by its intended recipients then they cannot be consideredto be information. The process of data analysis involves abstracting, transforming,summarising and commenting on the data so that they will be useful to those towhom they are ultimately transmitted.
In order to make a conversion of data to information, the data need to undergo someform of analysis. Such analysis may be simple, for example, the calculation ofelementary statistics or the production of graphical output, or may be more complexinvolving advanced statistics or mathematical modelling.
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The specific analyses to be conducted depend on the water quality informationdesired, or the specific questions about water quality being asked. Water qualityconcerns are wide and varied, but probably the most commonly asked questions are:
1. What is the water quality at any specific location or area?2. What are the water quality trends in the region: is the quality improving or getting
worse?3. How do certain water quality parameters relate with one another at given sites4. For surface water (rivers): how do certain water quality parameters relate to
stream discharge?5. What are the total mass loadings of materials moving in and out of water
systems, and from what sources and in what quantities do these originate?6. Are sampling frequencies adequate and are sampling stations suitably located to
represent water quality conditions in an area?
It is now possible to carry out many of the techniques described below on a computerrunning a proprietary statistical software package. However, it should be borne inmind that such an approach carries with it dangers for the inexperienced. With acomputer package it is possible to generate any number of statistics from a set ofdata with no regard to their appropriateness. Care should be exercised if this methodis contemplated, therefore.
1.5 Types of Data Analysis
It is often the case that those who receive, and may need to act upon, water qualitydata are non-technical people. Often managers, politicians or members of the publicneed to comment or make decisions based upon water quality data. Unless suchpeople are technically qualified, data alone will not of any use to them; they need toknow what the data means.
There are a number of ways that water quality data can be made more meaningful toa non-technical audience including the following:
• comparing the data with national water quality standards - this gives an insightinto the scale of a particular data set (e.g., if the data show that a particulargroundwater sample contains a higher concentration of pollutant than isallowed by a national drinking water standard, most people would assume thatit may not be safe to drink this water)
• comparing the data to international standards - it may be useful to compare thedata to standards used by other countries (e.g., the United States) orinternational organisations (e.g., the World Health Organisation or theEuropean Union) particularly if standards for a particular pollutant have notbeen defined nationally
• calculating water quality indices, such as Water classification index or S.A.R.• determining the water quality classification and comparing to desired
classification• comparing the data derived from one area to data from another similar area -
for example, it is easy to see how two similar rivers compare in terms of theirpollution load when their water quality data are presented together
• calculation of trends showing how water quality has changed at one or moresampling points either over time or due to a particular event (e.g., theconstruction of a power station on a river reach)
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• calculating how much mass of a substance has travelled down a river (i.e.mass fluxes).
1.6 Water Classification Index for surface watersIn India, several water quality indices can be calculated which indicate the suitabilityof water for different uses:• Water classification index for surface waters• Sodium Absorption Ration (SAR) for irrigation suitability• Percent Sodium for irrigation suitability• Residual Sodium Carbonate – for irrigation suitability• Chloride – bicarbonate ratio• Wilcox• Pipers Tri-linear plotting
The a water classification index for surface waters has 5 categories and is used toindicate water quality required for different uses.
The Central Pollution Control Board has classified the inland surface waters into 5categories - A to E on the basis of the best possible use of the water as shown inTable 1. The classification has been made in such a manner that the water qualityrequirement becomes progressively lower from class A to class E.
A water body may be subjected to more than one organised use. The use demandingthe highest quality is the designated best use. A water body or stretch of river whoseexisting water quality does not meet the designated best use criteria requires actionto mitigate the situation. Based on such analysis river action plans are formulated.
The results from the water quality monitoring should be used to calculate the waterquality index, and to check with the designated use of that water body.
1.7 Graphical techniques
Many of the above techniques are considerably enhanced if the data are presentedgraphically. However, care should be taken to ensure that the graph type is chosento clearly transmit the necessary information (see above).
There are a number of advantages associated with the data analysis using graphicaltechniques as follows:
• trends in the data are often easier to spot• outlying data points are normally obvious• many people find visually presented data more acceptable and more readily
understandable
It is important when presenting data graphically that:
• all graphs are easy to read and understand - in particular the temptation to puttoo many data sets onto one graph should be avoided; it is better to present this
information using more than one graph, if necessary.
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Table1 Primary water quality criteria for various uses of fresh water
Designated best use Class Criteria
Drinking water sourcewithout conventionaltreatment but afterdisinfection
A 1. Total coliform organisms MPN/100mLshall be 50 or less.
2. pH between 6.5 and 8.53. Dissolved oxygen 6 mg/L or more4. Biochemical oxygen demand 2 mg/L or
less
Outdoor bathing (organised) B 1. Total coliform organisms MPN/100mLshall be 500 or less
2. pH between 6.5 and 8.53. Dissolved oxygen 5 mg/L or more4. Biochemical oxygen demand 3 mg/L or
less
Drinking water source withconventional treatmentfollowed by disinfection
C 1. Total coliform organisms MPN/ 100mLshall be 5000 or less
2. pH between 6 and 93. Dissolved oxygen 4 mg/L or more4. Biochemical oxygen demand 3 mg/L or
less
Propagation of wild life,fisheries
D 1. pH between 6.5 and 8.52. Dissolved oxygen 4 mg/L or more3. Free ammonia (as N) 1.2 mg/L or less
Irrigation, industrial cooling,controlled waste disposal
E 1. pH between 6.0 and 8.52. Electrical conductivity less than 2250
micro mhos/cm3. Sodium absorption ratio less than 264. Boron less than 2mg/L5. Percent Sodium less than 60
• the scale of the axes used is such that the data cover a large percentage of thegraph
• all graphs are clearly titled and each axis, and if appropriate each data set, isclearly labelled
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There are a number of types of graph which can be effective in presenting waterquality data as detailed below. The choice of graph will depend upon a number offactors including the information required from the plot, the intended audience andclarity and ease of use considerations. It is often the case that the choice of graphcan only be finally decided by actually plotting a number of different types of graphand assessing them for effectiveness.
Time Series Graphs
A graph in which water quality data (on the ‘y’ axis) are plotted against time (on the‘x’ axis) in units which will depend on the frequency of sampling. This type of plothelps to identify trends or cyclic patterns in the data and is also a good way ofidentifying outlying data points.
Time series graphs are also useful for spotting connections between two or morewater quality variables. If it is suspected, for example, that the biochemical oxygendemand in a river reach increases when the suspended solids load increases, aneffective way of checking this can be to plot both of these variables on a time seriesgraph. Visual inspection can then be used to see if peaks and troughs for the twovariables coincide.
Histograms
Histograms or bar charts are effective at displaying the relative differences in data.That is, it is easy to show that a sampling point has twice the pollutant concentrationof its neighbour by means of a histogram.
Histograms are also useful for displaying data for a non-technical audience as theyare easily understood by the majority of people.
Pie Charts
Pie charts, which are circular diagrams divided into a number of segments, are lessfrequently used for water quality data. They are used when it is necessary to presentinformation about the relative proportions of a particular parameter, however. Forexample, the relative proportions of a pesticide which were dissolved in water, boundto suspended solid particles or present in the bottom sediments of a river could berepresented using a pie chart.
Profile Plots
A plot of water quality data down the length of a river (longitudinal profile) can beuseful for observing changes which occur as the river flows downstream. Often suchplots are annotated with the positions of major discharges and river tributaries so thatthe effect of these inputs is clearly visible on the graph.
If samples have been collected at various depths, a vertical profile of the data can beplotted. Such plots are often used to analyse how lake water or groundwater varieswith increasing depth.
Geographical Plots
It is often useful to plot water quality data on a map base to show local and regionalvariations in water quality. Such a technique can be used to attempt to pinpoint a
31
pollution source from groundwater data or merely to show how one river orcatchment compares to another in terms of its water quality or pollution load.
Advanced Techniques
In addition to those methods of data analysis given above there are also a number ofmore advanced techniques which can be used. Although, a complete description ofsuch techniques is outside the scope of this document, there follows below a briefoutline of some of the methods available:
• linear trend analysis - although this can be done simply by plotting data on a timeseries graph (see above), it is also possible to analyse trends through the use ofsophisticated statistical analyses; trend analysis can be important for theanalysis of water quality data as it can aid understanding of the variability of dataand also allow predictions to be made of likely future water quality
• regression and correlation analysis - regression and correlation analysis arerelated techniques which are used to assess the association between two ormore variables; both can be useful techniques for establishing the factors whichregulate the variability of a particular water quality parameter.
• autocorrelation analysis: to assess the association between two or moremeasurements of the same variable at different times.
• hypothesis testing: Statistical analysis to check for relationships within the data(e.g. a step trend)
• mathematical modelling - a technique for representing and predicting, by meansof mathematics, the behaviour of a system; mathematical models can be usefulpredictive and policy testing tools in that they allow operators to forecast thebehaviour of a water body which will occur following some future change to thesystem
It is important to remember that the above techniques, whilst extremely powerfulwhen used correctly, can lead to false conclusions and, therefore, poor managementdecisions if used by the inexperienced. It is often advisable, therefore, to use thesimplest data analysis technique which will adequately perform the required task.
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Design of Water Quality Yearbook
Dr. Roop Narain*Dr. S. P. Chakarbarty**
Er. Devendra Sharma***
Introduction
Data is a base for planning of any project. The process of collection of data has been
in progress since time immemorial. The data has been collected for specific purposes, used
for the purpose, changed in to reports & filed. At present the data is scattered in different
organizations & laboratories. This has been quite expensive, as time and money has been
spent on collection of same type of data. However old data can be of historical importance &
a useful guide to understand the action of various forces, which may be responsible for
present status.
Collection of data on the quality of water
Central Water Commission being a central organization under the Ministry of Water
Resources has to think in terms of the national perspective on utilization of resources. The
collection of hydrological data, by the default definition includes the data on quality of water.
As is well known, the data collected by Central Water Commission is very thorough in
respect of location, depth, time, velocity and distance from the reference point from the bank;
a considerable amount of time and money is involved in this process of data collection.
Keeping in view that quantity without quality may be meaningless, Central Water
Commission is also collecting the data on the quality of water at all such important locations.
For collection of data on the quality of water, Central Water Commission has also
established a large network of laboratories almost in all the states of India. Depending upon
the level of data to be collected, these laboratories have been equipped with the adequate
*Research Officer, Hydrological Observations Circle (Noida), Central Water Commission,Research Unit, B-5, Kalindi Bhawan, Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110 016**Consultant, Hydrology Project, CSMRS Building, Olof Palme Marg, N Delhi–110 016*** Superintending Engineer, Hydrological Observations Circle, Central Water Commission,C-130, Sector 19, Noida,
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level of equipment and the laboratories have been designated as level I, level II and level III
laboratories. The level I contains equipment suitable for observing the data on parameters
which must be observed in situ i.e. without any time lag between the collection and analysis.
The level II contains equipment suitable for observing the data on parameters which must be
observed with more sophisticated equipment and can be done within 6-24 hour of collection
of sample. For this purpose, the samples are kept under near freezing condition to keep the
bacterial and other physico-chemical reactions at the minimum activity.
The level III contains equipment suitable for observing the data on parameters, which
need sophisticated and state of art equipment. The equipment in such laboratories are quite
costly and need expert personnel for their operation. In view of the cost involved and to
observe economy at the national level, such laboratories are kept in Northern, Eastern and
Southern Regions. Therefore such laboratories can also be termed as regional laboratories.
Central Water Commission has already done this investment and the data is being collected
on various parameters covering general physical, chemical and biological parameters. The
data on trace metals and trace organic pesticide, herbicides and insecticides is also being
collected.
Nature of data
The nature of data that can be stored can comprise of physical, chemical and
biological nature. The parameters covering these aspects are given in annex 1. As the
analysts are generally proactive, it is not necessary that all samples be analyzed for all
parameters. That should depend upon the nature of sample and its immediate requirement.
Having established such a large network of collection of hydrological data, it goes
without saying that a small part of time of the personnel employed at the basic data collecting
centers can also be utilized for collection of information on factors which may have a bearing
on the quantum of various parameters. Some of such factors have been listed below. (Details
in annex –II)
1. Climate
2. Geology/Morphology
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3. 10 year hydrology data (average of monsoon/non monsoon)
4. Agricultural practices
5. Various projects dams canals transfer inter basin.
6. Forest, semi arid, arid and mountain regions.
7. Population in villages, towns and cities.
8. Industries small, medium and large (In particular having solid and liquid wastes)
9. Quantum of water used & return flows
10. Health aspects on population – Hospital/Diseases.
11. Various flora and fauna – spatial distribution.
12. Reaches showing visible /invisible impacts.
13. Correlation with ground water quality with in 5 km radius.
As the qualified personnel having a very good academic and scientific background
will collect the data on such aspects, the data will be very authentic and can be relied upon
for doing modeling and other studies. The cost of collection of such data will also be very
low in terms of manpower and other expenses
For examining the quality of water for various uses, the biological oxygen demand
and bacterial presence or absence is also essential especially the coliform type as some of the
coliforms are typically found in the intestines of animals including anthropoids. These are
characterized by their prolific growth even at 45° Celsius. To examine the number of
bacteria, these are allowed to grow in a special nutrient medium. When they form colonies,
their number is counted under magnification. With powerful microscope, this can be done by
isolation bacteria and staining them with suitable chemicals. The shape, size and their
number can be easily recorded with very little extra effort. For this, equipment has already
been procured in one of the Regional laboratories. As the information on the presence of
various trace metals and other chemicals in trace quantities is being collected, it may not be
difficult to link the presence of various tiny flora and fauna, including bacterial population
with the trace metals chemicals and various factors connected with climate and ecology.
Such correlation can be of immense help in linking degenerative and mutagenic changes in
the life processes. It may not be out of place to mention that the changes take place faster in
the species, which have a short life span and multiply rapidly under a given condition.
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Quantum of data
However all these data with different frequencies, locations and timings will make it
quite bulky even if taken for one year and individual values, except the extremes may not
serve much purpose. However for reference one or two hard copies of daily data may be
essential. For evolving any logical conclusion, the combination of some values and their
statistical averages over different seasons may be useful. However some of the data such as
odour, which cannot be converted into some numerical form for arriving at averages can be
kept as such or attempt can be made to convert such information in to numerical forms.
Processing of data
Processing such large magnitude of data from hard copy (printed book) will also
involve large number of man-hours. For wide circulation of data, it may be a fit case to
present the averages and the trends, which can be statistically arrived, form the data. The
demand from such users can be easily met if the data is properly stored in a format, which
can be processed with suitable software to extract the relevant figures over a large time
period. The general aspects can be summarized in one to two pages.
Users
The data of this type can be utilized for diverse purposes depending upon the
immediate requirement of the user e.g.
1) Organizations needing the suitability of data for power plant (cooling purposes) need
not be interested in colour/odour, climates, trace metals and pesticides, bacterial
population etc.
2) Organizations for bathing need not worry on trace quantities of minerals and organics.
3) Water softening plants may not be very keen on bacteriological, suspended impurities
and many other parameters except calcium & magnesium.
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4) Recreational users may worry only on colour, odour, floating and suspended matter etc.
5) Agriculturist may more interested in Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Sodium Percentage &
Electrical Conductance.
6) Municipal authorities may worry more about trace metals, organic and suspended
impurities and bacterial population.
7) An environmentalist may be more keen an appearance of disappearance of flora and &
fauna and their numbers.
8) School & college students may be interested in general parameters.
9) Water storage authorities may be more interested in sulfate, chloride and BOD values.
10) Doctors may be more interested in sodium, nitrate and fluoride etc. which are not
removed by the conventional treatment methods.
11) NGOs may worry about all aspects concerned with social life.
12) Pollution control agencies may concentrate on trends to prevent deterioration of quality
Publication of data
Presently Central Water Commission publishes such data on annual basis as Water
Quality Yearbook on the lines of its Water Year Book and sediment Year Book. As most of
the data was used in-house and the demands from other users were few and far between,
these could be met easily, hence it was not thought necessary to give wide publicity to the
data. However in recent years the demand from other users has increased and causes
inconvenience in copying of data from the few published copies, it would be in the interest of
Central Water Commission to publicize such data for the benefit of various users. It would
also eliminate unnecessary repetition in collection of data or data with inadequate method of
collection is minimized and the good quality data remains for reference. In doing so, the
Central Water Commission can do a yeoman’s service to the nation and may save a
considerable cost on money and manpower. Various academic institutes and NGOs are
incurring such costs on the pretext of providing Ph. D degrees and for bringing more
awareness among general masses as well to gain publicity. The data collected by them is
mostly not according to the standard methods. In many of such instances, it is observed that
the conclusions drawn by them exceed all imaginations
37
The format for storing data on quality of water
The format for storing the data has to be worked out very carefully to ensure that
most of the future demand on the data extraction can be easily met.
Each site should contain following information to cover.
1. General features of site, location, town, district, state, river- tributary, sub-tributary,
longitude & latitude etc.
2. Basin map showing site in appropriate scale
3. Climate, geology, morphology of site.
4. Hydrological features / storage / Return flows
5. Agricultural practices,
6. Forests: flora & fauna.
7. Population
8. Location and spread of various industries.
9. Data: All parameters should be available for recording
The data can have the following formats
a) Physical parameters
b) General chemical parameters
c) Biological
d) Trace metals and chemical
e) Microbiological
f) Computed indices
All these details on a data should have identical value for the following variables
• Date of collection
• Time of collection
• Distance from the bank
• Depth of collection
For wide circulation of data, it may be a fit case to present the averages and the
trends, which can be statistically arrived, form the data. The demand from such users can be
easily met if the data is properly stored in a format, which can be processed with suitable
software to extract the relevant figures over a large time period. The general aspects can be
summarized in one to two pages.The details should be upgraded on annual basis to provide
for various developmental activities.
38
The format for Water Quality Yearbook
The format for publication of averages and trends should include all such parameters
that have bearing on general uses and also for special users. The following aspects can be
included.
Maximum, minimum and average values with the number of observations for
monsoon and non-monsoon seasons along with annual weighted average value in respect of
following parameters:
1. Temperature
2. Colour
3. Turbidity
4. pH
5. EC
6. DO
7. BOD
8. COD/TOC
9. Chloride
10. Nitrate
11. Sulpfate
12. Hardness
13. SP
14. RSC
15. Total Coliforms
16. Total Planktons
In respect of parameters such as trace metals, pesticides and special bacterial and
micro flora and fauna; total sum of their values in terms of total loading can be given. This
would require calculation of their mass from the values of concentration/ number and
discharge for each season. Such a presentation would eliminate the risk of exposure of the
classified data on discharge of rivers crossing national boundaries.
The format of Water Quality Yearbook is presented for consideration. A specimen is
given at annex-III
Graphical presentation of data on concentration of above parameters for the last 5-10
years can also be given for the ease of understanding.
39
Annex 1
List of parameters
1. Temperature
2. Colour
3. Odour
4. Turbidity
5. pH
6. Conductivity
7. Dissolved Oxygen
8. Carbonate
9. Bicarbonate
10. Sulfide
11. Calcium
12. Magnesium
13. Sodium
14. Potassium
15. Chloride
16. Sulfite
17. Sulfate
18. Fluoride
19. Bromide
20. Iodide
21. Orthophosphate
22. Boron
23. Silica
24. Nitrate
25. Nitrite
26. Ammonia
27. Kjeldahl Nitrogen
28. Organic phosphorous
29. BOD
30. COD
31. Total Organic Carbon
32. Iron II
33. Iron III
34. Copper
35. Mercury
36. Strontium
37. Nickel
38. Aluminum
39. Manganese
40. Chromium III
41. Chromium VI
42. Lead
43. Arsenic
44. Cadmium
45. Zinc
46. Silver
47. Molybdenum
48. Selenium
49. Phenolic compounds
50. Zooplanktons
51. Phytoplanktons
52. Organophosphorous
pesticides
53. Organochlorine pesticides
54. Polycyclic hydrocarbons
55. Atrazine family pesticides
56. Total Coliform
57. Escherechia Coliform
58. Other bacteria
59. Radioactivity in water and
sediment
60. Adsorbed chemicals on
bottom sediments
61. Adsorbed chemicals on
suspended sediments
62. Total Hardness
63. Sodium Percentage
64. Residual Sodium Carbonate
65. Sodium Adsorption Ratio
66. Classification
40
Annex-2
General features of Hydrological Observation station and its Basin
1. Type of soil & geological formation in the basin.
2. Nature & location of various ores in each Sub-basin basin and the nature of their
prospecting activity.
3. Major minerals found in topsoil & subsoil say up to 100 M.
4. Nature of various major industries in various sub catchments of the basin.
5. Quantity and quality of surface flows in sub catchments.
6. Quantity and quality of water used for inter basin and inter sub basin transfers.
7. Nature of vegetative dispersion in the sub catchments.
8. Area under agricultural activity.
9. Area under assured irrigation.
10. Various crops grown in the sub catchments.
11. The respective area under each crop.
12. Nature & quantity of various insecticides and pesticides sold in each year season wise in
each sub basin/basin.
13. Nature & quantity of various herbicides sold in each sub basin/basin.
14. Number of villages/towns/cities in each sub catchments.
15. Cattle population/ milch cattle population.
16. Total municipal water supply in each town and total quantity supplemented by private
water harvesting.
17. Quantities of return flow from municipality & industries.
18. Treatment facility installed/ in operation.
19. Industry profile with respect to use of water and discharge of liquid and solid waste.
20. Disposal pattern of solid & liquid waste.
21. Source of collection of above information.
22. Names of hospitals in sub basin/basin.
23. Major and minor endemic & epidemic problems.
24. Major birds species found in the region with their eating habits & change in behavior &
population (ornithologists)
25. Various type of water fauna in river & lake systems; seasons wise including major & minor
variety, eating and reproductive habits.
41
26. Various type of bacterial population in different reaches. Season wise disease water borne
on basins of illness.
27. Various water flora in the region; season wise.
28. Recreational activities in water bodies.
29. Partially or fully closed sub basins
30. Hydel generation/ thermal power generation units.
31. Nature of spatial distribution of rainfall.
32. Number of storage reservoirs in the sub-catchments with their capacity.
33. Water supplies arrangement of each municipality.
34. Activities on reuse of water by industry and municipality.
35. Impact on ground water quality where water is reused.
42
Annex-IIIFORMAT OF WATER QUALITY YEAR BOOK
(Data part)
Parameter Monsoon Non-Monsoon Annual Weighted
(Jun to Nov.) (Dec to May) Mean Mean
Max. Min. Ave- number Max. Min. Ave number
rage of obs. rage of obs.
Temp. 36 22 30.16 6 33.5 1 7 22.0 6 26.1 29.29
colour
Turbidity
pH 9.0 7.2 8.16 6 9.0 7.9 8.38 6 8.28 8.42
E.C 830 190 473 6 1050 310 546 6 510.00 431.16
D.0 7.6 0 2.4 5 12.0 0 4.6 6 3.51 3.37
Cl 91.8 8.2 54.9 6 167.7 8.2 56.3 6 55.58 72.10
S04 68.0 20.0 43 6 150.0 35.0 79.5 6 61.25 45.40
N03 6.2 0.5 2.7 6 5.0 1.0 3 6 2.91 2.99
B.O.D 21.04 1.96 1.3 6 60.6 7.1 21 6 19.03 240.71
T.O.C
Hardness 249.6 174.8 217 6 483.2 164.2 270.4 6 243.69 3141.49
Sodium % 36.8 1.5 20 6 35.7 6.9 32.8 6 26.40 333.87
SAR 1.95 0.04 0.93 6 2.41 0.20 1.17 6 1.05 13.41
RSC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Coliform
Plankton
43
DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ON WATER QUALITY
Dr. Roop Narain+, Dr. M. C. Dutta++, Dr. S. P. Chakrabarti*, and Dr. R. C. Trivedi**
1. Introduction
Data on quality of surface and ground water are most sought after by individuals,
municipal bodies, students / scholars of academic institutions, pollution control
authorities and social reformers. While an individual is keen to ascertain the quality for
its potability before use, the municipal bodies are concerned to ascertain the degree of
treatment necessary to render it suitable for safe public water supply. While the
academicians look at it with interest for a variety of purposes, like establishing
correlations among its constituent quality parameters, validating ionic balance, modelling
of water quality for prediction of impact due to introduction of pollutants through
innovative computer application techniques etc., pollution control agencies look for the
trend for evolving strategy to maintain and restore quality of water resources by
containment of polluting sources and prevention and control of pollutants being
discharged into water bodies only after compliance with the standards. The non-
governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Social Reformers serve as the ‘watch dogs’
for the protection of societal interest. Under this scenario, it is evident that there is a need
for water quality data among various sections of the society, even if their interests could
be conflicting at times.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
+ Research Officer, Research Unit, Head Office Circle, Central Water Commission, N. Delhi – 110 066++ Research Officer, River Data Directorate, Central Water Commission, N. Delhi – 110 066* Consultant, Hydrology Project Office, CSMRS-Building, 4th Floor, Olof Palme Marg, N. Delhi-110 016** Sr. Scientist, Central Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhavan, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110 032
44
2. Water Quality Information
2.1 Water quality Data Generation
Water quality is being monitored by several agencies with specific objectives to meet the
requirements of the respective agencies in accordance with their mandates Although the
Central and the State surface water (SW) Departments are concerned are charged with the
responsibility of developing water resources with no apparent concern about the quality
aspect of the resources, it is inherently implied that the quality of the water resources
developed is good enough to qualify for meeting the needs of various designated-best-
uses prevalent all along the river stretch. The Central and the State Pollution Control
Boards are to observe that the wholesome quality of the natural waters are maintained or
restored, if required, to sustain the prevalent uses. There is, therefore, an unwritten
interdependency among the agencies involved in the task of water quality management,
which can seldom be ignored. Hence, there is a sincere need for frequent interaction and
sharing of information among the agencies.
2.2 Water Quality Database Development
Under the “Hydrology Project” taken up by the Ministry of Water Resources, the water
quality database is being created at national and State levels as a part of the Hydrological
Information System (HIS) being developed. After primary data validation at the
laboratory, the data will be processed at the Sub-divisional / Divisional Data Processing
Centres for secondary validation, following a designed format for data entry in a unified
manner by all the agencies participating in the programme. and thereafter for storage at
the State / Regional / National level to generate the database to be available for the user
agencies.
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2.3 Interpretation of Data for Information Generation
To render the validated data useful for the concerned agencies in planning of Action
Programmes in a holistic manner and for their implementation, the data are to be
analysed and interpreted for generation of information. This requires presentation of
data in the form of charts. To meet the needs and purposes of the data user agencies
and the society at large, it is imperative on the part of the generator(s) of data to
publish “Annual Report on Water Quality” for dissemination of information in a
simplistic manner, especially through graphic presentations or easy-to-read maps,
with interpretations. Otherwise, it will remain stockpiled in individual organisations
with no apparent use after incurring considerable expenses in collection,
transportation, and analysis of samples in sophisticated instruments.
3. Annual Report on Water Quality
Annual Report on water quality, therefore, should contain river basin / water shed-
wise information in terms of the following elements:
Brief introduction of the basin with a map in appropriate scale indicating the
location of monitoring stations with station code
Water quality status: Desired quality to sustain designated-best-uses in various
reaches;
If such information are not available with CWC, conjunctive efforts may be made
with CPCB, to have a uniform database. The concept is already well-developed,
and all major rivers with their principal tributaries have been classified into five
46
categories of designated-best-uses in consultation with the State agencies. The
categories of designated-best-uses are as follows:
Class A - Drinking Water Source after only disinfection
B -Outdoor bathing and contact water sport
C - Drinking water source after conventional treatment including
disinfection
D - Propagation of wildlife and fisheries
E - Agriculture, industrial cooling & controlled wastewater disposal
• Existing water quality status as observed from monitoring in terms of the
criteria parameters defined by CPCB for sustenance of the aforesaid uses; and
• Critical parameters to be taken note of for protection of quality
Analysis of data to establish spatial trend of water quality from preceding five
years (say) in terms of Indicator parameters depicting the health of the river. This
would require graphical presentation of the data for ease in understanding.
Development of correlations among parameters for better understanding of the
quality and for validatory checks in building up confidence in analysis and data
reliability
47
Identification of hot spots (stretch-wise) wherever the actual/existing quality falls
below the desired quality. Such information will help the pollution control boards in
planning strategies for strengthening their enforcement programmes.
4. Concluding Remarks
The surface water regime being a dynamic system, the monitoring programme needs
periodic review atleast after every five years to decide on location of stations, parameters,
frequency of sampling, instrumentation and method of analysis, training need for
laboratory personal.
Interaction with concerned agencies involved in surface water quality monitoring is
essential in view of rapid development in the field of instrumentation techniques in water
quality analysis and also interdependency of the agencies in formulating Action
Programmes with a holistic approach in a co-ordinated manner besides dissemination of
information for the benefit of the society in providing quality water
Reference:
Water Quality Status & Statistics (1995), Monitoring of Indian National Aquatic
Resources Series / MINARS / 12 / 1997, Central Pollution Control Board, Govt of India,
1997.
48
Quality Assurance Programme
A. K. Mitra*
1. Introduction
The objective of a water quality monitoring programme is to produce data and information onthe quality of water resources, so that appropriate management can take place. All stepswithin the monitoring programme must be designed to produce the desired data andinformation, with sufficient quality.
The goal of a laboratory Quality Assurance Programme is:
• To ensure meaningful water quality assessment• To have confidence in results, based on standardized procedures for all components of
water quality monitoring
2. Components of Quality Assurance ProgrammeThe QA programme for a laboratory or a group of laboratories should contain a set ofoperating principles, written down and agreed upon by the organisation, delineating specificfunctions and responsibilities of each person involved and the chain of command. Thefollowing sections describe various aspects of the plan.
Sample control and documentation: Procedures regarding sample collection, labelling,preservation, transport, preparation of its derivatives, where required, and the chain-of-custody.
Standard analytical procedures: Procedures giving detailed analytical method for theanalysis of each parameter giving results of acceptable accuracy.
Analyst qualifications: Qualifications and training requirements of the analysts must bespecified. The number of repetitive analyses required to obtain result of acceptable accuracyalso depends on the experience of the analyst.
Equipment maintenance: For each instrument, a strict preventive maintenance programmeshould be followed. It will reduce instrument malfunctions, maintain calibration and reducedowntime. Corrective actions to be taken in case of malfunctions should be specified.
Calibration procedures: In analyses where an instrument has to be calibrated, the procedurefor preparing standard solutions and making a standard curve must be specified, e.g., theminimum number of different dilutions of a standard to be used, method detection limit (MDL),range of calibration, verification of the standard curve during routine analyses, etc.
Quality control of the analytical data : Quality control may be either internal or external.External QC is also called as Quality assessments. All analysts must use some QC as anintuitive effort to produce credible results.
Data analysis : Data reduction, validation, and reporting are the final features of a QAprogramme. The reading obtained from an analytical procedure must be adjusted for suchfactors as instrument efficiency, extraction efficiency, sample size and back ground value,
i.ex
49
before it becomes a useful result. Each result or a set of results must be accompanied by astatement of uncertainty.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...• Central Water Commission, Regional Office, Hyderabad
3. Quality Assurance in Water Quality Monitoring
The full set of activities for QA in WQM which should be documented are:• monitoring network design,• sample collection (including field measurements, bottle labelling, proformas, preservation,
treatment and transport.• sample control and documentation in the laboratory• maintenance of equipment• laboratory AQC• Data validation, reduction, and reporting
3.1 Monitoring network
Monitoring network is to designed depending on the objective of the programme. It may beflexible.
3.2 Sample collection
Sample collection includes the following activities:• collecting the sample in the correct manner, in the correct container• field measurements of water quality: e.g. Temperature, pH, EC, DO• labelling sample bottles and completing sample proforma• preservation (if necessary) and transport to the laboratory
3.3 Collecting the sample
The person collecting the sample must know how to reach sampling site(s). A detailed locationmap for the site which should shows the sample collection point with respect to prominentlandmarks in the area. In case there is any deviation in the collection point, record it on thesample identification form giving reason.
3.4 Field measurements
For all water quality samples of open dynamic systems such as rivers, field measurementsmust be made for : Temperature, pH, EC. and DO.
3.5 Labelling sample bottles and Completing Pro forma
Sample containers should be clearly and unambiguously marked. All details relevant to thesample should be recorded and connected with the sample container.
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3.6 Preservation and Transport
Loss or transformation of the sample during sampling and transport needs to be controlled.Common measures are conservation, cooled storage, cooled transport and minimizing thetime period between sampling and analysis (a maximum storage time before analysis caneven be specified).
• Samples should be transported to concerned laboratory (level II or II+) as soon as possible,preferably within 48 hours.
• Analysis for coliforms should be started within 24 h of collection of sample. If time isexceeded, it should be recorded with the result.
• Samples containing microgram/L metal level, should be stored at 4oC and analysed assoon as possible. If the concentration is of mg/L level, it can be stored for upto 6 months,except mercury, for which the limit is 5 weeks.
• Discard samples only after primary validation of data.
3.7 Control Samples
• Field check samples to provide routine checks on sample stability. Checks can be done bydividing a real sample in two and making a known addition to one portion. The recovery isa check that conservation, sample transport and storage are satisfactory.
• Duplicate samples to provide checks on variability.
3.8 Sample control and documentation – Sample receipt register
• Each laboratory should have a bound register, which is used for registeringsamples as they are received.
3.9 Work Assignment and Personal Registers
• The laboratory incharge should maintain a bound register for assignment of work.This register would link the lab. sample number to the analyst who makes specificanalyses, such as pH, EC, BOD, etc.
• An estimate of time needed for performing the analyses may also be entered inthe register.
• Each laboratory analyst should have his/her own bound register, where alllaboratory readings and calculations are to be entered.
• When analysis and calculations are completed, the results must be recorded in aregister containing data record sheets described in the next section.
3.10 Maintenance of Equipment
Regular maintenance of laboratory equipment is key to making controlled analyses of watersamples.
51
4. Recommendations
The primary goal of the Quality Assurance Programme in water quality monitoring is that theinformation obtained from the monitoring system meets the required quality criteria. Thoseusing the data must have confidence in the data.
Important to Quality Assurance Programme is traceability. Traceability is concerned withdefining and documenting the processes and activities that lead to the information and howthe results are achieved. When the processes are known, activities can be conductedcorrectly, and if not, measures can be taken to improve these processes.
Quality management requires a system where there are documented procedures for all therelevant processes and products important in water quality monitoring and the responsibilitieswith regard to the distinguished procedures.
Standards methods and techniques are defined for, among others, sampling, transport andstorage of samples, laboratory analysis, data validation, data storage and exchange,calculation methods and statistical methods as part of the requirements. All these steps aredocumented within the Hydrology Project. By following protocols, mistakes can mostly beavoided, and any mistakes that are made may be traced and undone.
If monitoring data from different monitoring networks are to be compared, it is important thatthe data be of comparable quality. Quality Assurance requires co-operation and participationof all personnel involved with water quality monitoring activities. Quality assurance of Waterquality monitoring is the responsibility of the managers of the organisation and the device canbe achieved by good managerial practices.
Management has to ensure that the analysts have the knowledge as well as skill ofimplementing analytical procedures. Any one can learn to turn knob and read galvanometersor digital reading, but assurance that a measurement has been made in the best possiblesystem, must come from a Chemist.
52
Analytical Quality Control programme
Dr. A. K. Mitra
1. Introduction
Analytical Quality Control (AQC) is one of the main components of a complete QualityAssurance Programme for Water Quality Monitoring, wherein the quality of analytical databeing generated in any laboratory is controlled through minimising or controlling errors toachieve a target accuracy. AQC is used to evaluate reliability of experiment data.
Why is it required?
Many studies have shown that analytical results are often subject to serious errors, particularlyat the low concentrations encountered in water analysis. In fact, the errors may be so largethat the validity of actions taken regarding management of water quality may becomequestionable.
An analytical quality control exercise (AQC) conducted by United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency (US-EPA) showed a wide variation in results when identical samples wereanalysed in 22 laboratories:
Nutrient Concentration,mg/L
Range of results,mg/L
Ammonia 0.261.71
0.09 - 0.391.44 - 2.46
Nitrate 0.19 0.08 - 0.41Total phosphorus 0.882 0.642 - 1.407
It is seen that the range of values reported are significantly large, ±50% for ammonia and±100% for nitrates, compared to the actual concentrations.
2. Types of AQC
Two types of AQC schemes are practised: Intra laboratory and Inter-laboratory AQC.
Intra-laboratory AQC :
Intra-laboratory AQC focuses on achieving precision or ‘reproducibility’ of analyses within onelaboratory. This can be achieved by following documented procedures for all analyticalactivities. Important components to identify errors are control charts and control samples.
Inter-laboratory AQC:The focus of inter-laboratory AQC is to achieve comparability of results in all the participatinglaboratories by controlling the accuracy of each.
The main objectives of inter-laboratory AQC are:(a)To test for possible bias in measurements in a laboratory.(b)To provide direct evidence of comparability of results among laboratories in a commonwater quality-monitoring programme such as Hydrology Project.
53
3. Objectives of AQC
The objective of Analytical Quality Control is:• To ensure meaningful water quality assessment• To have confidence in results• to assess the status of analytical facilities and capabilities of concerned laboratories.• to identify the serious constraints (random & systematic) in the working environment of
laboratories.• to provide necessary assistance to the concerned laboratories to overcome the short
comings in the analytical capabilities.• to validate the water quality monitoring data.• to promote scientific and analytical competence of the concerned laboratories to the level
of excellence for better output.
4. Basic statistics in AQC
True value – A value is accepted as being true when it is believed that uncertainty in thevalue is less than the uncertainty in something else with which it is being compared.
Error – The term error refers to the numerical difference between a measured value and truevalue.
Determinate errors or systematic errors – Determinate errors are generally unidirectionalwith respect to true value, and in many cases they can be predicted. Examples areincorrectly calibrated instrument, an impurity in a reagent or distilled water, a side reaction in atitration and heating a sample at a temperature different from that required.
Bias is a measure of determinate errors.
Indeterminate errors – These types of errors cannot be attributed to any known cause.They are random in nature and lead to both high and low results with equal probability. Theycannot be eliminated and are the ultimate limitation on the measurement.
Accuracy – An accurate result is one that agrees closely with the true value of a measuredquantity.
Precision – The term precision refers to the agreement among a group of experimentalresults; it implies nothing about their relation to the true value.
Frequency distribution: Relation between the values of results of repetitive analyses of asample and the number of times (frequency) that a particular value occurs.
Mean: Mean is the central value of results of a set of repetitive analyses of a sample. It iscalculated by summing the individual observations and dividing it by the total number of
observations. Mean, ( x ), of a set of data is calculated by adding all the observed values of
variable (results of analyses) and dividing it by the total number of observations:
x x x x nx n= + +( ......... ) /1
where x1, x2,........xn are the observed values and n is the total number of observations.
54
Standard deviation: Standard deviation is a measure of spread of results of repetitiveanalyses of a sample around its mean value. It is a measure of precision of the analyticalmethod. It is calculated by taking square root of sum of squares of deviation of theobservations from the mean divided by the number of observations minus one. Standarddeviation, s, is calculated as:
)1/(}).......()(){( 222
21 −−+−+−= nxxxxxxs n x
A small value of s signifies that most of the observations are close to the mean value.A large value indicates that the observed values are spread over a larger range.Precision and standard deviation
The most important parameter to evaluate in the results is the precision. The statistical term toevaluate precision is standard deviation. The numerical value of the standard deviationdepends on the average concentration (standard deviation also has the unit of concentration).
Normal distribution
Normal distribution is a frequency distribution, which is symmetrical around the mean. In anormal distribution 95.5% and 99.7% of the observations lie in ± two times standard deviationand ± three times standard deviation range around the mean, respectively.
Control Limits
Two sets of control limits are usually set: inner limits at about ± 2s (UWL & LWL) to warn ofpossible trouble and outer limits of ± 3s (UCL & LCL) demanding a corrective. It has beenobserved that 99.7% of a group of results should fall within the ± 3s limits unless a definitecause is operating on the analysis. If the method is under control, approximately 4.5% ofresults may be expected to fall outside the UWL & LWL lines. This type of chart provides acheck on both random and systematic error gauged from the spread of results
5. Components of an AQC Programme
5.1 Intra-Laboratory AQC
Types of Control Samples
Good Analytical Quality Control includes control samples such as :• standard solutions• recovery of known additions,• analysis of reagent blanks, and• analysis of duplicates
A control sample is a sample whose analytical results are used to check the procedures beingused and results being produced in the analytical laboratory. Different types of controlsamples help to detect different types of error. Control samples should be representative ofthe samples routinely analysed in terms of the determinant concentration. Examples of somecontrol samples and their characteristics and use are given below:
Standard Solution
55
Standard solutions are samples of known concentration which are prepared independently ofcalibration standards from pure materials. They are used to check on calibration error (randomand systematic). A standard solution should be made of a chosen concentration which isrepresentative of the range being routinely analysed. The correct analysis of the standardsolution should be independent of analytical techniques.
Recovery of known additives (spiked solutions)
The technique of recovery of known additions is adopted to evaluate matrix effect andsuitability of analytical method. In a spiked sample, a real sample is first analysed and then aknown amount of the constituent being determined is added. The difference between theanalytical results for samples with and without the added constituent gives the recovery of theamount of added constituent. If the recovery is satisfactory, the confidence in the accuracy ofthe procedure is enhanced. The amount of known additives should be between 5 and 50times the Minimum Detection Level (MDL), or between 1 and 10 times the ambient level,whichever is greater.
Running parallel determinations (duplicates)
Analysis of individual control samples or sets of samples (to obtain mean values) from samecontrol standard to check random error. A duplicate analysis of a single sample serves as acheck on the result, and indicates the precision of the analysis. Good agreement betweenduplicate results does NOT mean that the results are correct (accurate): a constant error maybe present (i.e. bias). This technique is adopted for control charts.
Running a blank determination (reagent blank)
This consists of carrying out a separate analysis of reagent blanks to monitor purity ofchemicals and reagent water. A ‘blank’ sample (e.g. distilled water) using the sameprocedures and under the same experimental conditions as used for a real sample isanalysed. This means that the ‘blank’ has been treated with the same reagents as a realsample. The object is to find out the effect of the impurities introduced through the reagentsand equipment. Ideally, the measured concentration of a blank should be nil. A large readingfor a blank is undesirable because the exact value then becomes uncertain.
Additionally the intra-laboratory programme may include:
• Calibration of instruments/equipment/measuring glass wares.• analysis of sample blanks to evaluate sample preservation, storage and
transportation;
Preparation of reagent grade water is most important to obtain the statisticallyacceptable data in a laboratory
The important components of intra-laboratory AQC is the maintenance of control charts (e.g.Shewhart control charts).
The control chart method has proved useful in keeping track of the performance of analyticalmethods in laboratories where same type of samples are repeatedly analysed day after dayover long periods of time. The method tends to distinguish with a high degree of efficiencydefinite trends or periodically recurring anomalies from random fluctuations.
Control charts may be employed to help the laboratory personal keep track of the precision ofan analytical method.
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Method for making Control charts:• Analyse three replicates of a standard solution on each day for eight days over a
12 day period. (The number of replicate analyses should thus be t 24 carried outover a 12 day period).
• Calculate the mean, ( x ), and the standard deviation (s) of the 24 replicate
analyses. Use the mean to calculate the warning limits and control limits.• Construct the control chart by plotting the mean, the upper and lower warning limits
(UWL and LWL) and the upper and lower control limits (UCL and LCL). Thesevalues are drawn as lines. Individual points of these analyses should not beplotted.
• Repeat the analysis of the standard solution 2 to 3 times per week for the next 7weeks and plot the individual measurements on the charts. You should have 14-20samples. Check if the samples fall within the limits, and if the procedure was understatistical control.
• Recalculate the mean and limits of the chart after combining the two sets of values.
5.2 Inter-Laboratory AQC
Inter-laboratory programmes are designed to evaluate laboratory bias.
The method for this is to identify a coordinating laboratory which will prepare test samples thatare to be analyzed by a number of laboratories. Typically, there are 2 test samples (A and B),which have known concentrations of a number of parameters. Each participating laboratoryreceives samples containing the same concentration of the parameters. The laboratories mustanalyze samples A and B for the specified parameters, and send analysis results to thecoordinating laboratory within a limited time period.
The results of all the participating laboratories are compared to the known concentrations. An‘acceptable range’ for the concentration of each parameters is calculated for sample A andsample B, based on the reported concentrations of all the laboratories and the standarddeviation of these results.
The results of inter-laboratory AQC are plotted in a Youden 2-sample plots. For eachparameter, the plot shows the value for sample A against that of sample B as reported by alaboratory. Thus there is one data point per laboratory for the two samples. The acceptablelimits for the two samples are also drawn on the plot as two parallel horizontal lines for thesample values plotted on the Y-axis and two parallel vertical lines for the sample valuesplotted on the X-axis. The centre of the rectangular block created by the two sets of parallellines is the reference value for the parameter. Results close to this point are considered torepresent a high degree of accuracy.
It may be added that for various parameters all of the AQC actions listed may not benecessary. Further, these are not one time exercises but rather internal mechanisms forchecking performance and protecting laboratory work from errors that may creep in.Laboratories who accept these control checks will find that it results in only about 5 percentextra work.
5.3 Identification of errors
• The values outside the warning limit indicate gross analytical errors e.g., in preparation ofstandards, incorrect calibration, impurities etc.,
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• The pattern of seven sequential results lying above or below the mean indicate e.g.,problem with standards – new standards of different quality is being used.
• Seven values showing an increasing or decreasing trends indicate e.g,, evaporation of asolvent or degradation of the standard sample with age, improper temperature control ofthe reaction.
Sources of error in specific analyses
Examples of specific sources of error for the determination of EC are given below:
Error may be in the instrument:• condition of the conductivity cell• sensitivity of instrument• age of instrument
Error may be in accuracy of preparation of KCl calibration solution (0.01M KCl):• drying of KCl powder• weighing (defective balance)• quality of the de-mineralised water used for the calibration solution• glassware used (volumetric flask vs. measuring cylinder)
Error may be in measurement procedure:• calibration of the instrument (cell constant adjustment)• measurement of the sample temperature and temperature correction• decontamination of the probe
Error may be in other general procedures:• cleaning of glassware• wrong labelling of sample• calculation and reporting errors
Standard Methods recommends the following actions that may be taken based on analysisresults in comparison to the standard deviation.
Control limit: If one measurement exceeds the limits, repeat the analysis immediately. If therepeat is within the UCL and LCL, continue analyses; if it exceeds the action limits again,discontinue analyses and correct the problem.
Warning limit: If two out of three successive points exceeds the limits, analyse anothersample. If the next point is within the UWL and LWL, continue analyses; if the next pointexceeds the warning limits, discontinue analyses and correct the problem.
Standard deviation: If four out of five successive points exceed one standard deviation, orare in increasing or decreasing order, analyse another sample. If the next point is less thanone standard deviation away from the mean, or changes the order, continue analyses;otherwise discontinue analyses and correct the problem.
Central line: If six successive points are on one side of the mean line, analyse anothersample. If the next point changes the side continue the analyses; otherwise discontinueanalyses and correct the problem.
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6. Good analytical practices
1. The primary criteria of obtaining data quality is the preparation of distilled water / reagentgrade water to be used for dilution, preparation of reagents and for blank. The quality ofwater required is related directly to the analysis being made. Reverse osmosis, distillationand deionization in various combination can produce reagent grade water when used inthe proper sequence.
2. A sound method must be selected.3. The technique is simply to carry a sample to number of manipulations without accidental
loses and without introducing foreign material.4. Common sense plus awareness of the danger spots is the main requirement of an analyst.5. Don't mix up samples, add the wrong reagents, or spill solutions and break glass-ware.6. No analysis should ever be performed using anything but clean glass-ware.7. Glass- wares used for volume measurements should be cleaned with hot detergent
solutions.8. If the glass surface does not drained uniformly use cleaning solutions (25 g of Sodium
dicromate + 50 ml distilled water + 450 ml 1 : 1 Sulphuric Acid). Cleaning solution isusually avoided in biological work because many micro organisms are sensitive to tracesof chromium which remain on the glass even on thorough rinsing.
9. After cleaning, apparatus should be rinsed several times with tap water, then smallportions of distilled water and finally to allow to drain.
10. Neatness in the laboratory must be maintained. Neatness includes stewardship over themore permanent laboratory fixtures, such as ovens, hotplates, hoods, sinks, and the work-benches.
11. Use reagents of AR grade and LR grade depending on the requirement. Only AR gradechemicals are used as primary standards.
12. Chances of contamination increase when a reagent bottle placed in the laboratory for useof large number of analyst. It is most important that analyst carefully adhere the certainrules –(a) The reagent shelf should be clean and orderly(b) Any spilt chemicals must be cleaned up immediately(c) The stopper of the reagent bottles should not be placed on shelf or laboratory bench.
Stoppers may be placed on clean watch glasses, however, it is best to hold thembetween two fingers while reagents are being withdrawn
(d) The mouth of the reagent bottles should be kept clean.(e) Pipettes, droppers or other instruments should never be inserted into reagent bottles.
Rather, a slight excess of reagent should be poured in to a cleaned beaker from whichthe pipetteing is done and the excess discarded, not returned to the bottle.
(f) Fingers, spatulas, or other implements should not be inserted into bottles of solidreagents.
13. The pipette is to be filled by gentle suction to above 2 cm above the ETCH line, using anaspirator bulb.
14. The tip of the pipette should be kept well below the surface of the liquid during the fillingoperation. Any hanging droplets of the solution are removed by touching the tip of thepipette to the side of the glass-ware and the stem is wiped with the piece of tissue paper toremove the drops of solution from the outside surface. After delivery the tip of the pipetteis touched to the inner side of the receiving vessel at the liquid surface.
15. Discard Pipette with damaged tips.16. Burettes must be cleaned to ensure a uniform drainage of solutions down the inner
surface.17. Make sure the small openings of the stopcock and the barrel is not plugged with grease.18. When not in use the burette should be filled with distilled water and cap.
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19. Before a titration is started, it must be ascertained there are no air bubbles in the tip of theburette.
20. When a solution is delivered from a burette, the liquid running down the inner wall issomewhat detained. After the stopcock has been closed, wait a few seconds for thisdrainage before taking a reading.
21. When solutions made up in volumetric flask, make a practice of mixing the solutionsthoroughly before the final volume has been adjusted, and mixing again after flask hasbeen filled to the mark.
22. Solution is never be heated in volumetric flask.23. When a solid is dissolved in a volumetric flask, the final volume adjustment should not be
made until all the solid is dissolved.24. Alkaline solution cause ground glass stoppers to freeze and should never be stored in
flask equipped with such stoppers.25. Some instruments contain fragile components which may be injured by improper handling.26. Some times a carefully worked out calibration may be ruined by manipulation of the wrong
knobs.27. No analytical instrument should ever be touched by a person unfamiliar with the direction
for its proper use and the precautions against damaging it.28. An instrument should never used by a person who has not thought through its advantages
and limitations for the job at hand, who does not have a proper estimate of the reliability ofthe data obtained and who cannot interpret correctly the significance of the instrumentalmeasurements and apply it with intelligence.
7. Concluding Remarks
One should not think that analysis of samples is a hopeless undertaking. Thechecks and safe-guards to be built into the operation must be stringent andcomprehensive than those most analyst are accustomed to.
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ACCREDITATION OF TESTING LABORATORIES
DR. M.Q. ANSARI
Central Pollution Control BoardParivesh Bhawan, East Arjun Nagar
Delhi – 110 032
What is Laboratory Accreditation?
• Laboratory accreditation is the formal recognition, authorization and registration of alaboratory that has demonstrated its capability, competence and credibility to carry outspecific test or types of tests claimed by the laboratory. Accreditation of laboratoriescreates a transparent situation in the world of quality assurance and a powerful tool indeveloping and establishing confidence and credibility between parties in the market.The accredited laboratory is authorized to issue calibration/test reports and reports ofchemical analysis which are recognized and accepted internationally.
Why Laboratory Accreditation?
• There are many reasons for laboratories to opt for accreditation. These include :-
(i) Provides recognition of technical competence including quality systemmanagement of the laboratories based on external (third party) assessment.
(ii) External verification of efficiency, correctness and accuracy of the processes inthe laboratory.
(iii) (International) acceptance of test reports issued by the accredited laboratories.
(iv) Improved customer confidence in the test reports issued by the accreditedlaboratories.
(v) Potential for increased business through greater user confidence.
(vi) Time and money saved through elimination of multiple assessment.
(vii) Increased confidence of personnel in their work.
(viii) Improved protection against liability.
(ix) Clients can locate and identify the laboratories, appropriate to their need fromcompendium of Accredited Laboratories.
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Criteria for Laboratory Accreditation
• A laboratory seeking accreditation must be able to demonstrate that it is meeting all therequirements of National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories(NABL) accreditation criteria Doc. 101 (1994). NABL-Doc. 101 is consistent with theprovisions of ISO/IEC - Guide 25 and European Standards EN 45001.
• The criteria set out in the NABL-Doc. 101 covers all the aspects of a laboratory’sactivities and include its legal identity, organization and management, quality system,personnel, accommodation and environment, facilities and equipment, measurementtraceability, calibration, test procedures, sample handling and identification and therecording and reporting of results. It also include quality system audit, review andquality control which ensures that quality system is fully implemented and in practice.
• A laboratory applying for accreditation should prepare a Quality Manual whichdocuments the quality system (the operating procedures, standard test methods and workinstructions, training records etc.) adopted by it for assuring compliance with the NABLcriteria.
Preparation of Laboratory Accreditation
Internal Preparation
(i) There must be a commitment from the top management to establish a qualityassurance system which is real and visible.
(ii) Obtain all relevant NABL documents and get fully acquainted with requirementsof NABL criteria at all levels.
(iii) Make a definite plan of action for obtaining accreditation.
(iv) Establish a core group to review the progress of preparedness of accreditation.
(v) Nominate a Technical Manager and a Quality Manager to co-ordinate allactivities related to seeking accreditation. Such persons should be familiar withlaboratory’s existing quality system.
(vi) Define and declare the laboratory Quality Policy which must be communicatedand understood at all levels.
(vii) Assess existing quality system and technical competence (documentedprocedures, records etc.) and identify gap/weak areas and make action plan to fillup the gaps.
(viii) Define the scope for accreditation i.e. the range of sample types to be tested oranalyzed and types of tests (parameters).
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(ix) Prepare a Quality Manual.
(x) Develop next level documents like Quality Procedures, Test Procedures &Quality Record formats.
(xi) Implement Quality Manual, Operational Procedures, Test Methods andprepare/maintain records.
(xii) Train laboratory staff at all levels specifically those who perform functions whichmay affect the quality of output.
(xiii) Arrange internal quality audit training for selected staff to be used for internalaudit of laboratory.
(xiv) Establish/conduct internal quality audit using the trained staff and repeat fewcycles.
(xv) Conduct management review to assess the effectiveness of the quality systemimplemented and take corrective actions.
(xvi) Prepare the accreditation application in prescribed proforma enlisting tests(parameters) conducted with detection limits and accuracy and also test methodsbeing followed.
(xvii) Laboratories are required to submit ten sets of applications in appropriateapplication form for each field alongwith two copies of the Quality Manual.
External Preparation
(i) On receipt of application, NABL appoints a Lead Assessor to examine the QualityManual for its adequacy.
(ii) If the Quality Manual is not acceptable, NABL informs the laboratory foramending the Quality Manual.
(iii) If NABL feels that Quality manual has adequately addressed all the requirementsof NABL Doc. 101, it informs the applicant laboratory and fixes preliminary visitto laboratory by the Lead Assessor.
(iv) The Lead Assessor makes a preliminary visit to the laboratory and collectsinformation on size of the laboratory, nature of the testing, experties and numberof Assessors required for assessment.
(v) A team of minimum two Assessors visits the laboratory to make an on the spotassessment of the compliance of the laboratory to the NABL Criteria (1994).
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(vi) Lead Assessor submits his final assessment report to NABL which is beingpresented to relevant Committee (s).
(vii) The Committee examines the findings of the assessment team and determineswhether recommendations in the report are consistent both with NABL’srequirements and claims made by the laboratory in their application.
(viii) On recommendations of the Committee, the result of the accreditation iscommunicated to the laboratory by NABL.
(ix) Accreditation certificate is issued by the NABL which is valid for three years.
(x) A surveillance audit is carried out every year by NABL but prior intimation to thelaboratory.
(xi) Request for renewal of accreditation is made to NABL in advance (six months).
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RECOGNITION OF ANALYTICAL LABORATORY
Dr. R. C. Trivedi * and Dr. S. P. Chakrabarti **
1. Introduction
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 provides under Sections 24 and
25 of the Act for granting of ‘Consents’ to industries by the State Pollution Control Boards,
prior to establishment of the industry and also later on at the time of its commissioning, on
compliance with the standards for discharge of only treated effluent into environment.
For granting of ‘Consent to establish’, the industry is required to submit its plans for
installation of pollution control devices to comply with the standards for each of its outlet
along with the application in the prescribed format. This ‘Consent’ is required only once
unless the manufacturing process or raw material or the production capacity is changed.
For granting of ‘Consent to operate’, the industry is required to apply before commissioning
in the prescribed format along with the report on chemical analysis of its effluent from a
laboratory recognised by the concerned State Government in consultation with the State
Pollution Control Board. The consent is granted if the test results indicate compliance with
the standards for discharge prescribed by the Board. This ‘Consent’ is renewable at a
frequency to be prescribed by the Board depending upon the type of the industry and the
………………………………………………………………………………………………
* Senior Scientist, Central Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhavan, Delhi 110 032
** Consultant, Hydrology Project, CSMRS-Building, Olof Palme Marg, N. Delhi 110 016
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characteristics of the effluent in terms of its toxicity and hazard potential. The Consent
renewable frequency may be even once every year.
2. Recognition of laboratory
Section 51/52 of the Water Act states that the Central/State Government may, by
notification in the Official Gazette, establish a Central/State Laboratory, or specify any
laboratory/any State laboratory or institute as a Central/State Water Laboratory to carry out
the functions entrusted to the Central/State Water Laboratory under this Act. The
Central/State Government in such cases makes rules in consultation with the Central/State
Pollution Control Board prescribing the functions of the Central/State Water Laboratory
and the procedures for submission of water and wastewater samples for analysis, the form
of the laboratory report and the fees payable in respect of such report.
Under Section 53 of the Water Act, the Central/State Government may, by notification in
the Official Gazette, appoint such persons as it thinks fit and having the the prescribed
qualifications to be Government Analyst for the purpose of analysis of water and
wastewater sent for analysis to any laboratory established or specified under the Act.
Similar provisions are there under Sections 12 and 13 of the ‘Environment (Protection )
Act, 1986 for recognition of laboratories or institutes as Environmental Laboratories to
carry out functions entrusted to an environmental laboratory, and appointment/recognition
of persons fulfilling qualification requirements as Government Analyst through Official
Gazette Notification.
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2. Benefits of Recognition
There are several direct / indirect and consequential institutional benefits in getting
recognition of laboratory as Central/State Water Laboratory or as Environmental
Laboratory. These are summarised as follows:
• The laboratory gets continuously upgraded during fulfilment of the requirements for
getting recognition, and renewal thereafter at regular intervals.
• Precision in analysis, accuracy in analysis result and the reliability in data generation
improve during fulfilment of procedural requirements.
• It serves as morale-boosting for the laboratory personnel conducting the analysis that his
services are being utilised at the country’s interest.
• The observations/reports of the laboratory will be upheld in the Court of law.
• The scientist/chemist gets recognition through the Central/State Government’s Official
Gazette notification as Government Analyst.
• The services rendered by the recognised laboratory generate revenue in terms of sample
analysis fee to support/supplement the annual budget of the laboratory.
4. How to get Recognition ?
According to the provisions of the “Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1974”, the “Environment (Protection) Act. 1986” and the rules framed thereunder, a
laboratory seeking recognition as a Central/State Government laboratory has to apply in the
prescribed format to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India or the
concerned State Government. On receipt of the application, a team of Scientists from the
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Central / State Pollution Control Board inspect the laboratory’s capability in respect of
availability of qualified man-power, instrument/equipment, infrastructure facilities etc.
Based on the fulfilment of requirements, the laboratory is recognised by the concerned
government as the Government Laboratory and the Scientist as Government Analyst
through Official Gazette notification. There could be more than one Government Analyst in
a laboratory.
3. Concluding Remarks
In view of the direct and indirect benefits of recognition of laboratories mentioned, a
laboratory should seek recognition of the Government in the quest for capability
development and generation of reliable water quality database. The Central / State Pollution
Control Boards conduct Analytical Quality Control (AQC) exercises at regular intervals to
keep the laboratory in tune. Analysis of environmental water samples, where constituent
chemicals are sometimes present in traces and the analysis suffer from interferences unless
those are shielded, indirectly helps the analyst in the pursuit of knowledge about the state-
of-the-art instrumentation in laboratory analysis.